greyy2

<i>Right as I started the very first sentence of this thesis, I immediately began to think about how I would write these acknowledgements.</i>

<i>It has been less than twenty years since I was born. My parents both gave me life, and showed me my first ray of light. Rita, Fernando, and Pedro saved my life. The Doctor and my coworkers in Engineering guided me further down my path toward the future. This is my first step in repaying their kindness: that their names will live in this database forever. ......</i>

Greyy?

Engineering's got a new field op. Come to the department as soon as you hear this.

Acknowledged. I'm on my way!

I'll give you the rundown. We're done mass producing that revamped emergency power system for disasters, as well as its lighting fixtures. Some of the larger offices have enough manpower to install it on their own, so we've already contacted Messengers to get them delivered.

All that's left now are a few of the smaller offices. In general, they only have a few operators stationed and can't handle this sort of thing.

We're currently allocating some operators from Engineering to head to those offices and help them install the upgrades. Here's the list.

You know the drill. If there's anywhere you want to go, just name it. We won't change the schedule to accommodate your plans, though. You're free to get some sightseeing done afterwards, but don't overstay your allotted time.

May I have a look at the list?

Go ahead.

I would like to go here, then. The office behind the mountains in Bolívar.

Okay, let me get you registered. Here's all the lighting and testing equipment. You can find the instructions for installing and upgrading the system in the Engineering Department folder on your terminal.

Oh, right. You're from Bolívar, aren't you?

Uh, yes. That's right.

You don't go back often, so be careful out there. The caravan's leaving at 0700 tomorrow. Be sure to come back on time.

Thanks. I'll head back and start packing now.

Okay, I've got my bags packed like the last time we performed on-site service for a customer. I shouldn't need much else.

They said a buncha new stuff just came in today. C'mon, losers, we're going shopping!

I still haven't got my mission signed off yet!

Istina just passed a new test. I wanna get her a small gift.

Everyone says you pick the best gifts, so pleeease!

Come to think of it, I've never been to the shopping stalls. Where were they again...?

Go straight...? Then turn left?

Oh, they're really here.

Huh, Greyy? Long time no see. The last time I saw you was when you went on a trip with the Engineering folks as an intern. Have you been keeping busy?

My internship's almost over. Lately, I've been preparing for my defense.

Oh, hang in there. I pulled out so much hair when I was working on my graduation thesis that my ears were going bald. It took quite a while for it all to grow back.

Here, this is the hair growth serum I used. How about it? Want a bottle?

W-Well... I think I'll pass.

Haha, in that case, I have some nutritious walnut milk here, too. Works as a great supplement. It's been selling pretty well lately. Don't go telling me you don't need any.

I'm not so sure about that either...

Hehe, just giving you a hard time. It's on the house. A thesis defense is no walk in the park. Drink up and give 'em hell!

Thanks, Lily.

Alright, so are you here to buy anything? Hehehe, whatever it is, just leave it to me. I guarantee you'll leave satisfied!

Phew... an Originium slug glass ornament, a Metal Crab flower pot, and a home beer brewing kit. Hm, did I really buy the right things...?

Looks like I'll need to repack now.

Good morning, Greyy.;Hey, Greyy. What's with all that stuff?;Greyy, are you moving?

Good morning, Doctor.

I'll be leaving for the Bolívar office tomorrow, to help them install the new emergency power system. And I'm thinking of giving these as gifts to the operators stationed there.

How's your defense coming along?;How's your thesis?

I finished writing it already.

Though... I'm still thinking about the acknowledgements in the end.

I want to give this paper a proper ending.

Once I'm back from this field operation, I will submit my final draft. I hope you don't mind supervising my defense.

Very good. Keep it up.;I'm very strict.

I'm sure that office will love to see you again.;Why don't you put those away and let's chat?

Thank you, Doctor.

But I need to get going now. I'm leaving tomorrow morning, and I'm still not done packing my luggage and supplies.

Please don't worry, though, I'll be fine.

Have a safe trip.

Thanks, Doctor. See you!

<i>Electrical engineering is far more complicated and profound than I imagined. Every time I touched upon a small piece of its tapestry, behind was a wealth of wisdom from those who came before me. Through literature, I can borrow their strength and explore the frontiers of technology. I am very happy to have had the opportunity to reach boundaries that would have been untouchable with only my own brain and hands, and I hope that I will be able to spur their advance, if only a little. ......</i>

A few weeks later...

So... do you guys actually like these?

We'll put the glass ornament here. The flower pot looks lovely, too. And what's this, equipment for homebrewing?!

Where did you get this, Greyy? How did you even know *where* to get this? You're not even that old yet! How could you be an alcoholic already?!

No, I—

*Sigh*... You even know to bring back gifts. You've really grown up, Greyy...

It's always the same old here, though, hahaha! Everyone else comes and goes, but the three of us are forever!

But, Greyy, are you really sure you want to start working right away? You just got here. I think you should get some rest first.

The landship doesn't expect you guys to work to the bone, does it?

All I know is that when we sent you there, they'd just got a new leader called the 'Doctor,' who apparently accomplished quite a bit these past few years.

But I thought you went to get treatment? Why'd they give you such back-breaking field work? Is this Doctor fella really so heartless to exploit you guys like that?

You're a patient. You spent so many days just getting here, and now you have to start working the moment you arrive, without even stopping for a sip of water?

Greyy already told us in his message that this is something he wants to do himself, Fernando.

Please, the Doctor isn't that kind of person. The landship is a great place, too. I'm only here because I chose to come.

I've been interning at the Engineering Department, and I'm even getting ready for my thesis defense now. Besides, don't you think I've gotten taller, and my body sturdier?

I'll just be inspecting the electrical circuits to compare with the model we drew up. That way, it'll go much smoother when I start working tomorrow. It's not too much effort.

Really?

Why are you so paranoid? Why would he lie to you?

Fernando, the Doctor even told me before I left that you guys would be happy to see me again.

So they even know about our connection, huh?

Alright... Not the worst leader, at least.

Greyy, why don't you come down from the ladder and try some of the local Bolívarian dishes I made. You're still growing, so you gotta eat up.

Oh, look at you. You're almost as tall as me. And you were so small when we first brought you back...

Ah, um...

Embarrassed?

Hahaha. Let's not talk about that right now. Actually, we were discussing amongst ourselves earlier, and there's something we wanted to talk to you about.

You mentioned in your letter that you're studying at the Engineering Department and that you're an electrical engineer now. That's good. You've got ambition.

It's just... As a doctor, I...

Rita, let me tell him.

Greyy, all the things you said. That you're making equipment, writing a thesis, preparing your defense, and that you're going to keep studying. Even that 'touching upon the boundaries of modern technology' stuff.

All that is your decision to make, and it's not our place to say anything. However, we really didn't want to bring this up, but you're still sick...

Don't worry, Rita. The medicine they have on the landship is very effective.

Besides, there are a lot of patients like me there. Some of them are even worse off, yet still much stronger than I am.

I'm not saying this to make light of my condition. It's just when I see them all working so hard every day, it makes me feel much better too.

Alright, as long as you know the score. It's important to think these things through before doing anything. We just wanted to let you know that.

You two done?

Greyy, stand up and let me take a look at you.

Not bad. Your physique's pretty good for a Perro boy your age.

But you do know you're Infected, right?

*Cough*... Watch your mouth, Fernando.

Why you gotta be so sarcastic in front of the kid?

Of course I know that.

But this is what I chose to do.

I know how you feel. Kids are bound to have ideals when they're young.

But I'm more worried about you.

I'm going to send in an application tomorrow and request to have you stationed here from now on.

What?